Ruth O. Hawkins

Born Where & When:On family farm in Munson Twp., OH, December 12, 1915How Long A Resident:Over 5 years in Columbus with her son Mark. Prior on the family farm in Munson Twp., OHPlace of Death:Son’s residence in Columbus, OHOccupation:Mathematics Teacher, Chardon High School for Chardon Board of Education retiring in 1979.How Long in Business:She also had taught mathematics and physical education in Newbury. She began her teaching career at McKinley High School in Sebring, OH, where she helped establish the first health education program for girls, 7th-12th grade, serving as the instructor of health education and promoter of health screenings and examinations.Date & Place Marriage/MaidenRuth E. Osmond married Robert Hayes Hawkins in Petersburg, VA, on November 14, 1943. He preceded in death on August 21, 1993. Hobbies/Activities:Former member of the Fowlers Mill Christian Church where she had been Superintendent and Teacher of the Sunday School.She was a member of the Pilgrim Christian Church in Chardon, OH, where she had served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess, Historian, Clerk, Pulpit Committee person and Crop Walk Coordinator.Graduate of Chardon High School, Valedictorian Class of 1934. Graduate of Mount Union College in 1938 with a Bachelor of Science Degree and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Also attended Ohio State University, Kent State University and Baldwin Wallace College.During WWII she joined the American Red Cross as a Recreational Worker, setting up recreational rehabilitation programs for recovering soldiers at Camp Lee, VA. She served on the Geauga County Fair Auxiliary for 12 years, organized a group for Hands Across America in 1986, and was active in the Geauga County Oral History Project and the Geauga County Retired Teachers. Ruth served as a 4-H advisor and worked on the campaign that created the Geauga Community Hospital. After retirement, she was determined to keep physically active and began running the Maple Festival Sap Run, in which she ran every year from 1981 to 1993, either running 1, 3, or 6.2 miles. Ruth loved dancing and sports, especially tennis, ice skating, and sled riding. She loved the outdoors and encouraged other to get active no matter what their age.Playing Bridge and reading were favorite endeavors and her yearly vegetable garden kept her very busy.In 2003 she was recognized as a “Munson Notable ” and in 2006 was inducted into the Chardon High School Alumni Hall of FameAll her life she promoted education and felt one should never stop learning.Survivors:1 Daughter: Nancy (Richard) Gary of Hudson, OH2 Sons: Mark D. (Mary Kay) Hawkins of Columbus, OH Timothy D. (Deborah) Hawkins of Munson Twp., OH2 Grandchildren: Tara (Ryan McKee) Gary and Steve (Keri) Gary, both of New York City.Deceased:Husband: Robert H. HawkinsParents: Herbert H. and Theresa M. (Nee: Ashcraft) Osmond2 Brothers: Leslie H. Osmond MD, and Robert T. OsmondDate/Time of Funeral:Friday, June 18, 10:00 AMPlace of Funeral:Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., (on St Rt. 44, 500′ south of Rt. 6/Chardon Square), Chardon, OHMinister & Church:Rev. Scott Holland of the Pilgrim Christian Church, Chardon, OHVisitation:Thursday, 5-8 PM at the funeral home.Place of Burial:Maple Hill Cemetery, Munson Twp., OHDonations:Education Department of the Pilgrim Christian Church, 202 So. Hambden St., Chardon, OH 44024Other Information:Arrangements by The Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Information and on-line condolences at www.burrservice.com